Peru has ordered a fifth Leonardo C-27J Spartan tactical airlifter, bringing total global programme sales to 100 aircraft.
Leonardo has confirmed that the Peruvian Air Force (Fuerza Aérea del Perú – FAP) has ordered an additional C-27J Spartan tactical airlifter, expanding the country’s fleet to five aircraft as part of its ongoing air mobility enhancement programme.
PROGRAMME REACHES GLOBAL MILESTONE
The latest acquisition marks a significant milestone for the C-27J programme, bringing total aircraft sales to 100 across 21 operators worldwide. The aircraft is currently in service in 18 countries.
Delivery of the new aircraft to FAP’s Grupo 8 is expected during 2027.
NEXT GENERATION CONFIGURATION
The aircraft will be Peru’s first C-27J delivered in the new Next Generation configuration, incorporating updated avionics and aerodynamic enhancements designed to improve operational efficiency and overall performance.
Leonardo stated that the expanded fleet will support a wide range of missions, including tactical transport, airdrop operations, search and rescue, disaster relief and firefighting.
The aircraft is regularly operated in demanding environmental conditions across Peru, from coastal regions to high-altitude operations in the Andes.
OPERATIONAL RECORD IN PERU
Since entering service with the FAP in 2015, Peru’s C-27J fleet has accumulated nearly 16,000 flight hours. According to Leonardo, the aircraft have conducted almost 600 medical evacuation missions while transporting close to 240,000 passengers and 9,000 tonnes of cargo.
Operations have included support during earthquakes, floods, wildfires and healthcare emergencies across Peru and the surrounding region.
LOCAL SUPPORT AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
Leonardo also highlighted the programme’s offset benefits, including the development of localised maintenance support capabilities and training infrastructure within Peru.
The company said technology transfer initiatives and autonomous maintenance capability development have contributed to strengthening Peru’s domestic aeronautical sector.
Globally, the C-27J fleet has accumulated approximately 295,000 flight hours across multiple operational roles.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: LEONARDO
